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I need some help.

1K views 7 replies 4 participants last post by  Mr Peepers 
#1 ·
I'm not sure what to do.

As some of you might know, Monkey has taken up a habit of biting. It seems to only happen when she's in her cage, thankfully. But this is where my problem comes in: More often than not I can't change her water without the risk of getting bit. She doesn't break skin, but it really hurts, and if I'm being honest, she scares me. Does anyone have any suggestions for what to do?
 
#2 ·
Biting in the cage is a territorial thing, most birds feel safe in their cage and its their domain so you sticking your fingers and hands in there is a big invasion on them. Monkey sounds like she is in the hormonal stage which doesn't help you when you are trying to deal with her and the daily grind of cleaning and setting up food and water.

I would try to get her out of the cage and place her somewhere to hang out for a bit and have some one on one time with you, you mentioned you thought you needed to spend a little more time with her. When you've played and she's looking like she wants to go back to her cage place her on top of the cage with a treat. Clean the cage set up fresh food and water and then let her go back to the cage when she wants.

She will get the time with you that you both need and want, and then you can deal with the cage without Miss Monkey Shines chewing on you while you tend to her needs.

Let us know how it goes. :)
 
#3 ·
It's spring, and our birds get hormonal defending their territory.
So does my Paulchen (blue).

But he has already improved much. Before I change the food and water bowls I show him the what he will get and explain: Paulchen, fresh water! Most of the time he will let me change without biting.
When he forgets himself and bites I blow at him briefly knowing he hates that.
Afterwards he will be more friendly and kind. It feels to me as if he needs me to give him a limit what he can do and what he can't.

The other point is I've been dealing with him more during the last year and built up a trusting relationship. That also has made him stop biting. :)
 
#4 ·
I have an Alexandrine, Holly, and she will lunge at me even when I walk past from outside the cage but absolutely cannot stand not seeing me (she's an oddity haha). I am lucky that I have external feeders that swing outwards because if I had to put my hands in I would be at risk of losing some flesh. I would either see if Monkey will come out and then do it or I would be wearing gloves. I know it seems OTT but obviously water is essential and must be done daily so for now if it's the only option it may be best
 
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#5 ·
I've figured something out: She's not actually lunging for me, I think. It's something about the water bowl leaving the cage she doesn't like so she attacks it. It's only when I'm a bit too slow that she nails me, but I think that's on accident. It's weird that it's only the water bowl. Both her food dishes are the same color. Maybe it's the different height?
 
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